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52 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A BY MARCY GORDON There are so many wines, varieties and regions in California that figuring out where to go and what to taste can be daunting. Aside from taking a tour, one of the best ways to get acquainted with an area is by attending a local wine festival. Think of it as Wine-Recon, a most delightful way to gather insight and information on local wineries in a short span of time. From large-scale food and wine fests to small, quirky events, wine festivals can cater to both the casual wine fan and the experi- enced wine enthusiast determined to discover the next great producer. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Livermore, Santa Cruz Mountains The most famous California wine region by far is in Northern California. Napa Valley is known around the world for its exceptional wines, and draws more visitors than any other area. The quintessential wine country experience was perfected here, with more than 300 wineries vying for your taste buds along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. While the majority of visitors go to the big- name wineries such as Robert Mondavi, Beringer and Sterling, those in the know are heading for Coombsville. CALIFORNIA VINEYARDS Sampling local wines is a popular activity in the many wine growing regions up and down the state. California wines became famous when a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley won the Judgment of Paris in 1976. It was an event that rocked the wine world, and the quality of California wines has only grown since then. In Praise of the Grape No matter the season, wine tasting is always festive WINE COUNTRY SANTA BARBARA CVB. OPPOSITE: LAMBERT BRIDGE; LAUREN SALAUN; NAPA VALLEY CVB; KERRICK JAMES